Windows Phone, Kinect: Microsoft Gives Developers an Eyeful

New Opportunities for Windows Phone

The MIX11 Day 2 keynote put the spotlight on devices, as Microsoft announced new opportunities and capabilities for the Windows Phone.

At its MIX11 developer conference in mid-April, Microsoft demonstrated the value of developing for HTML5 and the standards-based Web with Internet Explorer 9 on PCs running Windows and IE9 on Windows Phone. With the release of the next version of Windows Phonedubbed "Mango"coming later this year, Microsoft is providing developers with more hardware capabilities, better browsing and improved tooling, as well as expanded opportunities and Windows Phone Marketplace options. Together, these technologies create a richer application environment that expands mobile usage scenarios. Microsoft provided the first deep look at the development platform for the next version of Windows Phone, arriving on new and existing handsets later this year. Developers will soon have updated Windows Phone Developer Tools. Improved tools include a performance profiler and sensor simulation, enabling developers to build more integrated and high-performing applications. Meanwhile, Microsoft also announced that later this spring, the company will release a non-commercial Kinect for Windows SDK (software development kit) from Microsoft Research to encourage developers to create experiences with natural user interfaces. "We believe the combined creativity of Microsoft and the academic research and enthusiast communities will lead to new experiences that will transform our relationship with computers," said Steve Clayton, editor of the Next at Microsoft blog. Features of the Kinect for Windows SDK include robust skeletal tracking, advanced audio capabilities and an XYZ depth camera.

Darryl K. Taft covers the development tools and developer-related issues beat from his office in Baltimore. He has more than 10 years of experience in the business and is always looking for the next scoop. Taft is a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and was named 'one of the most active middleware reporters in the world' by The Middleware Co. He also has his own card in the 'Who's Who in Enterprise Java' deck.